The company expects the reduction to continue to increase as it updates the data sheets for its 15,000 customers. Habitec Security President John Smythe notes that to implement two-call verification, it required staff to spend additional time contacting customers to update and expand contact information.

“Ultimately, we believe the process will reduce the workload on our dispatchers,” he says. “They will not have to contact law enforcement or make additional contacts if they determine there is no need for a response.”

“ECV has proven to be successful in every community where it has been implemented,” he explains. “It’s considered as an industry best practice, and law enforcement recommends it.”

For Smythe, employing ECV can help bridge the gap between the alarm industry and law enforcement.

“Our industry needs to be sensitive to the fact that police agencies are being asked to do their jobs with fewer resources,” he says. “Reducing calls for false alarms is one way our industry can do its part to help public safety agencies and protect our customers.”